Posted on 11/04/2005 12:37:25 PM PST by kingattax
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Counting the days to 2008, New Hampshire Democrats are shopping for the ideal presidential candidate - and finding plenty to check out in person.
Since the first of the year, former vice presidential candidate John Edwards has traveled to the state four times, most recently to discuss poverty at a Dartmouth College rally last month. Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh has made two trips; other potential candidates one apiece.
On Saturday, the party's 2004 presidential nominee, Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, visits New Hampshire for the second time this year. Kerry will campaign for Democratic candidates, including Manchester Mayor Robert Baines, who faces re-election next week.
A presidential race with no incumbent and no heir apparent - Vice President Dick Cheney has said he's not interested - has churned up interest in 2008 and renewed Democrats' hopes of retaking the White House.
The attention is mutual in New Hampshire, which holds the first presidential primary.
"It's making for more early interest than you'd normally have," said Democratic analyst Jim Demers.
Among others who have visited are Sens. Joe Biden of Delaware and Russell Feingold of Wisconsin, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and retired Gen. Wesley Clark. New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton recently traveled to Maine and Massachusetts for political fundraisers but didn't set foot in New Hampshire.
"A lot of Democratic elites are waiting for Hillary Clinton to decide," said Dante Scala, political science professor at Saint Anselm College and research fellow at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.
New Hampshire Democrats, like Democrats nationwide, are trying to figure out what would make the best candidate.
"A spark in the person's personality and style," says Demers.
"I want somebody who's strong. I want someone who's articulate, someone who can connect," said state Democratic chairwoman Kathy Sullivan.
Manchester Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, who backed Edwards in the last election, said he's looking for the "trust factor."
"They've got to like you," D'Allesandro said.
"Somebody who's a leader," said Michael King, a former Democratic party leader who worked for Howard Dean.
"Are they presenting a message that will resonate with us and, hopefully, with the nation?" asked Sen. Sylvia Larson, a former Kerry supporter.
Many favor a moderate or centrist but admit that the definition remains vague. Others argue that a candidate with leadership experience as a governor would be stronger than a senator or congressman. Attracting attention are potential candidates from Republican strongholds.
"This really is open season," Demers said. "It's shopping time."
lol
I have a cousin that's a registered Democrat and went on a visit to NH this past summer. Does that make him a potential candidate? :-)
"A spark in the person's personality and style," says Demers
Yep. That says it all for the DemocrATS. Empty suits,lousy for the country; but they sure look nice and smile a lot.
"This really is open season," Demers said.
Do you need a special permit?
Oh God ... not again. I live in NH and am sick of these people prostituting themselves every 4 years. It seems to start earlier and earlier every election.
Lou D'Allensandro is a clown in the Ted Kennedy fashion.
If you elect Big John Kerry I promise you the blind will see, the lame will walk, the deaf will hear........here me here me.
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